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THE PAPERS in this issue represent the first fruits of a multiyear effort by members of the Engineering Management Society (EMS) of the IEEE, led by Bill Dean, chairman of EMS, to provide the readers of this TRANSACTIONS with special issues on “hot topics” on the Management of Research, Development, Engineering, and Innovation. We have had a number of such special issues and special ...
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Examination of quantitative indicators of the publishing activity of researchers enables managers to assess basic research projects and programs in their organizations along the dimensions of quantity, quality, interdisciplinarity, internationally, degree of collaboration, etc. Combined with other indicators (e.g., professional and chronological ages of researchers, highest degree, degree conferri...
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This paper discusses the methodology for the measurement of subjective values via constant-sum comparisons, the development of a Hierarchical Decision Model (HDM), and the formation of expert consensus through the hierarchical decision process. Its focus is on post-program evaluation, but the methodology is equally applicable to pre-program evaluation, ongoing program evaluation, goal formation, c...
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There is a lack of consensus in the literature and in practice regarding evaluation measures for engineering and research projects. The lack of consensus is especially clear when the evaluation focus is on the implementation or in res stage of the evaluation cycle. The absence of a systems-based perspective and a concomitant consideration of six interrelated factors helps to explain the controvers...
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Project postmortem analysis, if conducted at all, is generally cursory. Often organizational pressures preclude an independent and comprehensive examination of completed projects. A project audit or outcome evaluation can be extremely constructive and a valuable tool for both the technical and managerial organization. Not only can it help focus on objectives and the accomplishment of those objecti...
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This paper analyzes the work process involved in performing an architectural design study, identifying certain deficiencies which often occur. In particular, it emphasizes the need to properly state the system requirements and the evaluation procedure to be used, and provides examples which illustrate how this may be done.
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There are three principles which one can recognize in problem solving. They are the principles of decomposition, comparative judgments, and synthesis of priorities. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) provides a comprehensive framework to cope with the intuitive, the rational, and the irrational in us all at the same time when we make decisions. It is a method we can use to integrate our percepti...
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Two hundred and fifteen (215) managers of basic and applied research programs in the federal government responded to a survey about how they carry out various functions related to research program management (e.g., identifying objectives, planning, evaluating). Analysis of the responses showed only weak relationships between variables that might be thought to influence the techniques used to manag...
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Analyses of responses to a survey of 215 managers of basic and applied research programs in the federal government were undertaken to identify factors that are useful in describing the pattern, or mix, of management techniques used by a program. Results indicate that the program's agency setting is of overwhelming importance. Of lesser importance are the position of the program on the spectrum of ...
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This paper describes how a network of (or a single) personal computers may be used in system performance improvement/configuration modification analyses in a manner that ameliorates several of the classical shortcomings of conventional quantitative methodologies. Specifically, the Simplified Cost and Time (SCAT) approach used here permits 1) a quick and simple way of determining the impact of chan...
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Aims & Scope

Management of technical functions such as research, development, and engineering in industry, government, university, and other settings. Emphasis is on studies carried on within an organization to help in decision making or policy formation for RD&E.